Joyce Ethyl Schlagel, 87, of Ada, MN, passed away a little after noon on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Benedictine Care Community, under the care of Hospice and her family. She left a world much different than the world she had been born into. But she also left a world made better in many little ways through the impact and influence she had on her students during 40 years of teaching and community service after her retirement.

Joyce was born on March 27, 1931, the second daughter of Amy and Domenic Stellon of Bowesmont, North Dakota, where she grew up and enjoyed a typical farm life childhood.

She eventually went to Mayville State Teachers College for her two-year teaching standard and taught at Arthur for one year before returning to Mayville for her bachelor's degree in 1953. While in college, she met and then married the love of her life, Marvin Schlagel on August 15, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Bowesmont.

They began teaching in Rolla, North Dakota in 1953, and relocated to Ada, Minnesota in 1955, where both she and Marvin taught for the remainder of their careers. She cherished her students, holding them to high standards through her enthusiasm for learning and her encouragement of their potential. In return, they honored her with their highest appreciation and respect.

Upon retirement in 1995 after 40 years of teaching, Joyce remained an active member of the community, attending to the revitalization of the East Side Park and the upkeep of the Faith United Church gardens, constructing and painting crafts, and engaged in various civic projects. Marvin passed away in 2001 after 47 years marriage to Joyce.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth (Mrs. Harvey) Wuest, Seguin, TX; sisters, Nancy Billings, Drayton, ND, Frances (Mrs. James) McConnell, Grand Forks, ND, and Ruth (Mrs. Bill) McConnell, Minnetonka, MN. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Leo.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ada-Borup Elementary School (209 6 ^th St. W., Ada, MN 56510)
Faith United Church (PO Box 73, Ada, MN 56510)

Funeral service: 11:00AM Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Faith United Church, Ada.

Visitation: Wednesday, April 25, from 5:00-7:00PM, with a prayer service at 6:30PM, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, and one hour before the service on Thursday at the church.

Interment: Bowesmont (ND) Community Cemetery at a later date.